Historic moment as first woman nominated as President of High Court
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Historic moment as first woman nominated as President of High Court

IRELAND IS SET to gain its first female President of the High Court in Ms Justice Mary Irvine.

The Dublin woman has led a strong career as a judge and barrister over four decades, and has served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Ireland since May 2019.

She will take up the role of President of the High Court on 18 June, the date the current President, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, is set to retire.

Ms Justice Irvine's historic nomination was approved by ministers on Friday, 12 June, at a Cabinet meeting at Dublin Castle; she is the first woman to be nominated for the role in the Court's 100-year history.

Ms Justice Mary Irvine will be the first woman to serve in the role of President of the High Court (Image: Law Society.ie)

The Law Society of Ireland has welcomed Ms Justice Irvine's nomination "in the warmest of terms", with Law Society President Michele O'Boyle stating:

"I welcome in the warmest of terms this nomination of Ms Justice Mary Irvine both as an outstandingly able judge and as the first woman in history to hold this absolutely key role in the Irish judiciary.

"She will bring the qualities of independence, deep legal knowledge and insight that have characterised her distinguished career as a judge."

Ms Justice Irvine will be formally appointed to the position by President Michael D Higgins on 18 June.